Reviewer: Ted Merkle
e-mail:
Date submitted: Dec. 10, 2002
Purchase Price: $2900.00, "used"
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Sound & Tone
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Rating:
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10
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Comments:
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Robust, funky sound. Sounds less stucatto than comparable Deagan marimbas. L&S sounds more woody. Good projection, sounds great when listened to across a distance. Even sound over highs and lows. Tinkly highs and robust lows. Plays well with Mike Balter Model 14 (red) yarn mallets (rattan). Tuning is fine.
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Design & Construction
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Rating:
| 7
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Comments:
| L&S existed from 1931 to 1939. This instrument was made sometime in the 30's and is essentially a Leedy design.
Background: In 1929 U.G. Leedy sold his Indianapois Indiana based Leedy Manufacturing Company to Conn Instruments in Elkhart, Indiana. Some of Leedy's Indianapolis employees resisted moving to Elkhart so Leedy started another company called L&S - Leedy and Sons. U.G Leedy died in 1931 and the company was then headed by his son E.H. Leedy and Cecil Strupe, an engineer.
Solid frame.
Metal tongue and groove frame locking system.
Somewhat complicated assembly due to size.
Non-adjustable height.
Large solid casters.
Quiet frame.
Graduated bars.
Mahogany bars from Honduras.
Transport - frame breaks into 4 pieces, legs also to 4 pieces, resonators also to 4 pieces.
Long term use - OK but instrument has not been moved much.
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Appearance
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Rating:
| 7
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Comments:
| Original yellow painted wood frame. Standard nikel plated metal resonators (nothing fancy). Legs are straight chrome plated pipes with semi-art deco inside trim. Linkage and reinforcement are flat square metal chrome plated bars.
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Customer Support
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| Serviced by Gilberto Serna at Century mallet in Chicago, IL.
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Overall Rating
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Rating:
| 10
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Comments:
| Very happy with this instrument. Unique, simple look, but has sweet woody sound. Would buy L&S again - or any Leedy marimbas. Used in jazz setting and latin adventures. Great for a pro looking for a unique sound. Great for student if found at an affordable price. Would not recommend it for band room or hard use because of its vintage age (1930's).
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